9 Days Inca Jungle trek with Tambopata Amazon Jungle Experience

Your adventure begins with an early morning pickup from your hotel at approximately 6:00 a.m. We’ll travel through the spectacular Sacred Valley of the Incas, where you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the Vilcabamba mountain range and Vilcanota mountain range, along with picturesque Andean villages scattered throughout the valley.

After a two-hour drive, we’ll stop in the historic Inca town of Ollantaytambo. Here, breakfast is included, and you’ll have time to stretch, relax, and use the facilities. We then continue ascending to Abra Malaga Pass, located at 4,350 meters (14,271 feet) above sea level— the starting point of our thrilling downhill biking experience to Santa Maria, situated at 1,430 meters (4,691 feet).

At Abra Malaga, you’ll be equipped with all necessary biking gear and participate in a safety briefing and training session to ensure a smooth and enjoyable ride. The biking route descends from the high Andes, offering dramatic scenery, including views of the snow-capped Veronica Peak. Along the way, we’ll bike toward the intriguing Inca archaeological site of Huamanmarca, where we’ll stop for lunch and explore its compact yet impressive ruins.

Following our visit, we’ll continue by vehicle to Santa Maria, where an exciting white-water rafting adventure awaits. In the afternoon, you’ll enjoy 1 to 1.5 hours of rafting on the river, surrounded by lush scenery and dynamic landscapes.

Upon arrival in Santa Maria, you’ll check into your hotel, have time to shower and relax, and unwind after an action-packed day. In the evening, we’ll gather at a local restaurant to enjoy dinner and share experiences from the day’s adventures.

• Biking Distance: 65 km (approximately 3–4 hours of downhill biking)
• River Rafting: 1–1.5 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate (adventure-focused day)
• Weather: Warm and windy during the day; very warm evenings
• Accommodation: Hotel night in Santa Maria
• Meals Included: lunch, and dinner

The day begins with an early breakfast at a local restaurant around 6:00 a.m., preparing us for one of the most rewarding and memorable hikes of the journey. This route is widely considered a highlight of the entire adventure.

We start with a 45-minute walk along the road before entering the original Inca trail—an ancient route that once connected Machu Picchu with Vilcabamba, the final stronghold of the Inca Empire.

As we follow this historic path, we’ll pass through lush agricultural landscapes featuring banana, coca, yucca, and coffee plantations. The approximately three-hour hike along the original Inca trail offers impressive views of the Vilcanota Valley, with sweeping panoramas of rolling hills covered in vibrant jungle crops.

Midday, we’ll arrive at the picturesque village of Quellomayo, where we’ll stop for lunch at a local restaurant. This is a perfect opportunity to rest, recharge, and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere before continuing the journey.

In the afternoon, we proceed with a scenic 3.5-hour hike following the banks of the Vilcanota River, leading us to the renowned Colcamayo hot springs. These natural outdoor hot springs provide an ideal setting to relax and soothe tired muscles after a full day of trekking. You’ll have ample time to enjoy the thermal baths before resuming the hike.

A final 45-minute walk brings us to our destination for the evening, Santa Teresa. We’ll check into a comfortable hostel and later enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, where we can unwind and reflect on the day’s unforgettable experiences.

• Hiking Distance: 22 km (approximately 7–8 hours of trekking)
• Difficulty: Moderate (full-day hike)
• Weather: Warm and tropical, with very warm nights
• Accommodation: Hotel night in Santa Teresa
• Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

The day begins at 6:30 a.m. with breakfast, followed by preparations for an exciting day of adventure. At approximately 8:00 a.m., the zipline operator will pick you up in Santa Teresa and transfer you to the zipline base. After a short safety briefing and orientation, you’ll enjoy an exhilarating two-hour experience featuring four distinct zip lines and an adrenaline-filled suspension bridge, all set amid lush tropical scenery.

After completing the zip-lining activity, we’ll travel by vehicle for about one hour to Hidroelectrica, where lunch will be served. Following the meal, we’ll begin a scenic hike along the railway line toward Aguas Calientes. This approximately three-hour trek offers beautiful views of the surrounding jungle and river landscapes.

Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, you’ll check into your hotel and have time to rest and recharge. In the evening, at around 7:00 p.m., we’ll enjoy dinner at a local restaurant before returning to the hotel for a restful night. The following morning, you’ll be ready to explore the iconic Machu Picchu.

• Zip-line Activity: 4 zip lines and 1 suspension bridge (approximately 2 hours)
• Hiking Distance: 11 km (approximately 3–3.5 hours)
• Difficulty: Moderate (adventure-focused day)
• Weather: Warm and tropical, with very warm nights
• Accommodation: Hotel night in Aguas Calientes
• Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Early in the morning, after breakfast at the hotel, we will depart for the main entrance of the Machu Picchu. Upon arrival, your original passport will be verified alongside your entrance ticket, so it is essential to carry your physical passport with you.

As you enter the citadel, you’ll witness the first rays of sunlight illuminating the ancient stone walls, while the morning mist gradually lifts to reveal the sanctuary in all its grandeur. Your guided tour will begin with an introduction to the historical and cultural significance of Machu Picchu.

During the guided visit, we will explore the most important sectors of the citadel, including ceremonial areas, agricultural terraces, the remains of royal residences, and other key structures that showcase Inca engineering and spiritual life.

At the conclusion of the guided tour, you’ll have free time to enjoy panoramic views and take photographs of the citadel. Guests who have booked an optional hike—such as Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain—will receive directions from the guide to the corresponding trailhead.

After completing your visit, we will exit the citadel and walk back to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll have free time to enjoy lunch or explore the town at your own pace.

In the afternoon, we will board the train to Ollantaytambo. Upon arrival, our representative will meet you at the station and transfer you by private transport back to your accommodation in Cusco.

• Total Distance: Approximately 4 km
• Estimated Walking Time: 1–2 hours
• Maximum Altitude: Approximately 2,700 mete

Enjoy a complete exploration of the Sacred Valley on this full-day Super Valley tour, combining archaeology, living culture, and spectacular Andean scenery in one carefully curated experience.

The tour begins with hotel pickup at 7:30 a.m. in Cusco, followed by a scenic drive into the heart of the Sacred Valley. Our first stop is Chinchero, a traditional Andean village renowned for its Inca ruins and vibrant textile heritage. You’ll visit the archaeological site and a local weaving center, where skilled artisans demonstrate ancestral techniques still practiced today.

Next, we continue to the impressive circular terraces of Moray, believed to have functioned as an agricultural experimentation center during Inca times. A short drive away, we’ll visit the extraordinary Maras Salt Mines, where thousands of salt pools create a striking geometric landscape and are still harvested using traditional methods.

The journey continues to Ollantaytambo, one of the best-preserved Inca towns in the region. Here, you’ll explore the impressive fortress and ceremonial terraces, followed by free time for lunch in the town.

In the afternoon, we visit the archaeological complex of Pisaq, famous for its extensive agricultural terraces, temples, and panoramic views over the valley. After the guided tour, we return to Cusco in the early evening, concluding a day rich in history, culture, and unforgettable landscapes. Later that night, you will board a comfortable overnight bus for the journey to Puerto Maldonado, marking the transition from the Andes to the Amazon region.

Upon arrival in Puerto Maldonado, our guides or staff will meet you at the bus terminal and transfer you to the town center, where you may have the opportunity to visit the vibrant local market, depending on your arrival time. Lunch will be arranged either in town, during the journey, or upon arrival at the lodge, according to the schedule.

We then continue by private transportation along the banks of the Madre de Dios River for approximately one hour to reach our eco-lodge. Upon arrival, you will be welcomed with a refreshing drink and escorted to your private bungalow, allowing time to settle in and relax.

In the afternoon, we depart on a 30-minute boat excursion to Monkey Island, where you’ll observe a remarkable diversity of wildlife, including spider monkeys, capuchins, tamarins, and squirrel monkeys, as well as capybaras, raccoons, and a wide variety of tropical bird species.

Following the excursion, we return to the eco-lodge to enjoy a traditional Amazonian dinner. Optional evening activities are available each night, offering further opportunities to experience the rainforest after dark.

After a nourishing jungle breakfast, we set out on a two-hour guided walk through pristine rainforest en route to the beautiful Sandoval Lake. As we travel through this untouched ecosystem, you’ll be immersed in the rich biodiversity of the Amazon, with opportunities to observe endangered giant river otters, a wide variety of tropical bird species, caimans, turtles, and numerous fish. Throughout the walk, your guide will provide insightful explanations about the rainforest’s complex ecosystem, flora, and wildlife.

Upon arrival at the lake, we’ll spend several relaxing hours exploring the calm waters by canoe, quietly gliding across one of the most scenic lakes in the region. This peaceful experience allows for exceptional wildlife observation and appreciation of the surrounding jungle landscapes.

Following our time on the lake, we may visit nearby traditional farming areas, where you’ll learn about the cultivation of essential local crops such as cacao, yuca, and other Amazonian produce. This visit offers valuable insight into sustainable agricultural practices and the close relationship between local communities and their natural environment.

After a hearty jungle breakfast, the adventure continues with a scenic one-hour boat journey along the river to a specialized jungle reserve featuring an extensive network of exploration trails. Accompanied by an expert local guide, you will venture deep into this vibrant ecosystem and experience the Amazon from above during an exhilarating canopy walk. From the treetops, enjoy sweeping panoramic views of the rainforest and its extraordinary biodiversity.

The experience intensifies as you descend via zipline, soaring through the forest canopy and gaining a unique aerial perspective of the jungle.

Later in the day, a gentle guided hike will introduce you to the subtle language of the rainforest, from distinctive bird calls and wildlife tracks to the medicinal plants traditionally used in the region. You will also visit a local family to learn about their sustainable way of life and close connection with the environment.

To conclude the day, enjoy a traditional fishing experience in one of the serene jungle lakes, using ancestral techniques that reflect the natural rhythms of the Amazon and the enduring traditions of its indigenous communities.

Depart very early in the morning to witness one of the Amazon’s most remarkable natural spectacles: the Green Parrot Clay Lick at dawn. Following a scenic 1.5-hour boat journey along the Amazon River, you will arrive at the clay lick wall just as the first rays of sunlight illuminate the rainforest. Each morning, hundreds of vibrant green parrots congregate at this site to consume mineral-rich clay, an essential practice that supports their digestion and overall health. Enjoy approximately one hour observing this extraordinary display and capturing memorable images of the birds in their natural environment.

After this unforgettable wildlife experience, you will return by boat to Puerto Maldonado, where a freshly prepared breakfast will be served. You will then continue your journey by bus back to Cusco, traveling through Peru’s diverse and ever-changing landscapes.

This experience offers a perfect balance of nature, wildlife, and serenity, highlighting the unique magic of the Amazon at sunrise.

For travelers wishing to extend their adventure, a variety of optional excursions are available. These include a visit to the Nazca Lines, a hike through Colca Canyon to observe majestic Andean condors, or additional exploration deep within the Amazon Rainforest for further wildlife encounters. You may also choose from extended treks to Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, or Lake Titicaca. Please let us know if you would like to personalize your itinerary with any of these add-on experiences to create an even more enriching journey.